UPDATED: Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:35 AM -- UNG To Move To Online Instruction For Remainder of Semester - Message from Dr. Bonita Jacobs, UNG President
I write to inform you that the University System of Georgia (USG) has determined that all 26 institutions, including UNG, will move to online instruction for all courses for the remainder of the semester with extremely limited exceptions. This action comes following last week's decision to suspend instruction for two weeks to ensure business and instructional continuity, and to allow further state assessment of COVID-19.  In the end, we want to ensure that our faculty, staff and students are safe; that we do our part to help stem the spread of the coronavirus in Georgia; and that we fulfill our mission to graduate our students even in the face of these challenging times.
 
Based on tonight's announcement from the, students will not be allowed to return to campus until they receive permission from the university, which will be forthcoming soon. Additionally, residence halls will be closed, with minimal exceptions for students unable to return home or who cannot find housing elsewhere. We will make every effort to accommodate those students who are unable to depart campus.
 
We will send specific instructions to students regarding when they will can return to campus to retrieve their belongings from residence halls. Students will be expected to follow those instructions.  We will provide additional information on refunds for housing, dining, and other services, as we receive additional guidance from the USG.  Students should wait for university officials to contact them.

UPDATED: Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11:55 AM -- UNG Athletics Adjusts Non-Competition Events
The following non-competition events scheduled to be administered by Nighthawk Athletics have been altered:
 

• Cottrell Park Ribbon Cutting (March 18, 2020) - POSTPONED until Fall of 2020 • Nigel's Run/Walk with Superheroes benefiting Make-A-Wish (April 9, 2020) - ON HOLD to examine the potential of using an alternative virtual fundraising model • 45th Annual Nighthawks Athletic Club Scholarship Golf Tournament (Friday, April 17, 2020) - POSTPONED to a potential later date, UNG's Alumni Weekend 2020 has been canceled  • 5th Annual Golden Nighthawks Awards Gala (Tuesday, April 28, 2020) - ON HOLD to examine the potential of creating a digital awards show (online & television) • UNG Athletics Camps & Clinics - decisions will be made at a later date regarding summer camps and showcases

UPDATED: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 7:25 PM -- NCAA Legislation Regarding Season Cancellation
In order to provide timely guidance to our membership, and in accordance with the directive from the Board of Governors, the Division II Administrative Committee met via teleconference this afternoon and took action on issues in several areas, including recruiting, reinstatement, benefits, financial aid, progress-toward-degree and full-time enrollment, playing and practice seasons and membership requirements. The Administrative Committee is charged with addressing items of business clearly necessary to promote the normal and orderly administration of Division II between meetings of the Presidents Council and Management Council.
 
Among the changes, the committee adopted emergency legislation to immediately establish a recruiting dead period in all sports at least until April 15, at which time the Administrative Committee will re-evaluate the status of the situation. Additionally, the committee voted to allow institutions to self-apply season-of-competition waivers for student-athletes whose 2019-20 spring season was canceled.

UPDATED: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 3:25 PM -- Message from Lindsay Reeves, UNG Athletic Director
The NCAA and Peach Belt Conference have finalized the announcement of the cancellation of all remaining regular season competitions and championships. This difficult decision was made in response to an unprecedented health crisis of the accelerating spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
As the Nighthawk Nation monitors the pandemic, we recognize this is an ever-fluid situation that calls for consistent and careful monitoring. As announced earlier this week, the university has extended spring break until March 29.
 
UNG Athletics wants to do its part in creating a coordinated approach to overcome this public health challenge. We understand that this unprecedented decision does not come without a sense of deep sacrifice, but it is centered around the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and staff.
 
We know everyone has worked for moments like these – to compete and play for championships. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work to provide the best possible experience to our student-athletes and supporters while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
 
While the NCAA and Peach Belt Conference work through a variety of contingency plans regarding eligibility, scholarships, etc., we ask that you remain patient and flexible through this process as we search for solutions and answers.
 
THE WELL-BEING OF OUR FAMILY OF STUDENT-ATHLETES, STAFF, FANS AND THE ENTIRE UNG COMMUNITY REMAINS OUR TOP PRIORITY!!
 
Stay safe #NighthawkNation!!

UPDATED: Friday, March 13, 2020 at 2:05 PM -- Peach Belt Conference Announcement
The Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors has announced that all competition for the remainder of the 2019-20 season has been canceled. This includes all regular-season competition for the 15 NCAA championship sports the conference sponsors as well as upcoming spring sports tournaments in baseball, softball, tennis, golf and track & field.

"This was a very difficult decision for the board to make," said PBC commissioner David Brunk. "But the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and fans is our top priority. Given the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing, the board agreed that this was in the best interests of everyone involved."

The decision comes a day after the NCAA announced it was canceling all national championship competition for the remainder of the academic year.

UPDATED: Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:57 PM -- University of North Georgia Announcement
Earlier today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

The canceled championships include the 2020 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Southeast Regional bringing an end to the University of North Georgia women's basketball team's season.
 
This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.

Additionally, UNG officials are awaiting direction on the status of the schools' spring sports and that information will be made available as soon as those decisions are made.

Effective March 16, Instruction Suspended For Two Weeks at UNG
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all University System of Georgia institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to allow time for USG institutions to test their business continuity plans and online instruction modules and for state officials to continue to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia.
 
Students on campus are asked to depart campus by close of business Friday, March 13, 2020, and to remain away from campus until March 29, 2020.  At this time, students are not being asked to move out of their dorms for the remainder of the semester. For students who are unable to leave campus, our Office of Residence Life and other offices will work to safely accommodate those students on campus.
 
UNG will activate our relevant business continuity plans and ensure the operation of online instruction should that become necessary. We know you have additional questions, and we will provide more details as they are available.